It is perhaps a fair statement to say that a lot of people think that the UK and Republic of Ireland are the same, or that Ireland belongs to the UK. Surprisingly, this includes a large part of the educated community, not just limited to people who have not travelled around. Yes, anyone who lives in the UK or Ireland would not believe this, but as absurd as it might sound, it is true. Not everyone knows that the United Kingdom comprises of Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland, and that Southern Ireland, also known as the Republic of Ireland is another country altogether.
Most of us would assume that these two countries, having so much in common would have similar legislation, infrastructure, educational systems, weather etc etc. In a lot of ways, they’re generally similar. However, from a personal perspective, they’re vastly different. The following is just an example of how different it can be, and how a simple legislation could affect someone’s life so much.
In the UK, a work permit holder’s spouse is entitled to work in the UK without the need to apply a work permit, this eligibility is automatic and helps facilitate ease in relocation in terms of finding work. In simple words, if your husband is a work permit holder, you are eligible to work full-time in the UK.
Contrary, in the Republic of Ireland, the work status is very different. The spouse will NOT be entitled to work, not even part-time. This can prove to be a very difficult obstacle for any spouse looking to move to Ireland, especially if you NEED to work.
Qualifications will prove helpful in the UK, but in Ireland, your qualifications mean nothing at all. Merits DO NOT help and no matter how hard you try, the chances of getting work here are very slim, almost non-existant. This is due to the fact that in Ireland, employers can only tap on the existing HUGE pool of EU citizens, that includes all Polish who recently joined the european union. The influx of polish in Ireland is at an unbelievable rate.
Unless you’re trained in the nursing trade or if you are looking for a job in the technological sector, it is evidently hard to get other jobs. Which employer would be willing to pay and go the extra mile to apply a work permit when there is such a huge pool of EU citizens readily available????
Imagine joining your spouse in Ireland and not being able to work no matter how hard you try. It is indeed a nightmare that’s beyond words to describe. I myself have lived in Ireland under those circumstances, but I’m lucky to have met some people here who have helped me in many ways and somehow I’ve managed to survive. Now though, I’m moving to another place and the sun seems to be shining again. GOOD LUCK all.